Driver Education Research & Innovation Center Project

Motor Vehicle Crashes are a Leading Cause of Death and Injuries for Teens

The Driver Education Research & Innovation Center (DERIC) Project was established to standardize driver education courses, thereby reducing crashes and producing safer teen drivers. Before the DERIC Project, the curriculum and quality of instruction among driver education programs has varied widely. The DERIC Project will:

Develop a standard curriculum that increases safe teen driving behavior and is sought after by parents, students, and instructors.

Identify, develop, and recommend courses that are relevant, engaging, and developmentally appropriate for teen drivers.

The DERIC Project is a partnership between the New York State Departments of Health, Motor Vehicles, and Education; Governor's Traffic Safety Committee; and Health Research, Inc.

Existing Options for New, Teen Drivers

5-Hour Pre-Licensing CourseMandatory in New York State

VERSUS

Driver Education CourseOptional in New York State

5 hours of classroom instruction

24 hours of classroom instruction

No behind the wheel training

24 hours of behind the wheel training and observation

Provides basic knowledge of select topics, including the Department of Motor Vehicles' point system, rules of the road, car-restraint systems, the laws of physics, defensive driving, driver safety, and drug and alcohol impairment.